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Tuesday, 5 May 2015

Mastermind Creations R12 Cynicus - Pictorial Review

Now, let us venture into another subgroup in IDW continuity, the infamous Decepticon Justice Division (DJD).

Decepticon Justice Division
Pic Credit : TFWiki

The DJD is a small unit in the Decepticon army, consisting small number of bots carrying Decepticon's 'justice'. Being Megatron's enforcer, they act based on the The List, containing names of traitors, deserters or transgressors that opposed the Decepticon's cause either directly or indirectly. The known members of DJD are

Helex

Kaon

Tarn (Leader)

Tesarus

Vos

There are also 2 others associated with DJD

Nickel (medic, first female Decepticon in IDW)

The Pet

Most of the names are codename based on the early cities the Decepticons conquered. The codename will will be used by new member in the event any of the current member dies.

DJD Vos
Pic Credit : TFWiki

The current Vos is at least the second bot that took the codename. Vos is a scientist and a linguistic purist, speaking only in Primal Vernacular instead of Neocybex, the modern Transformers language. Vos transform into a sniper rifle and wielded by other DJD members (and on occassion, Megatron himself).

In Package

Cynicus is the twelfth release under the Reformatted line, after R-09 Eupatorium Warrior and R-10 Salvia Prominon. The box is roughly the same size as Azalea's (and her variants).

Back View

The artwork is nicely done, following the design of IDW Vos.

Just like Azalea's box, there's a window where you can see the figure from the outside.

Last I heard there was a problem with the box size which resulted in Cynicus to be delayed. Judging by how the comic book/instruction is, I doubt the solves the problem.

Aside from his weapon, Cynicus comes with an alternate head and also a mask. This is based of Vos's method of torture where he remove his face, the inside of which lined with numerous spikes, drills and hooks where he forced his target to wear it. The alternate head is supposed to be his 'faceless' head.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Alt Mode

Now, for his unconventional alt mode. One might argue the impracticallity of it but come on, Megatron was also a gun. And the alt mode fits his role as a member of DJD.

The transformation is not so hard after you get used to it. It is important to make sure every parts align properly before proceeding with the next step of the transformation sequence to make is easier to peg the parts together.

Although the sniper rifle is not perfect as you can see some of the
robot parts visible, the design can be said above average. If he
could've hide the fists and the feet, I think he would be perfect.

Cynicus also comes with an extra handle so that he can be wielded by MMC's Feral Rex.

Robot Mode

Honestly, I really can't get behind MMC Cynicus. In hand however, I really like him. He feels a bit light but understandable considering his built and size and the plastic feels sturdier than MMC Azalea (and her variants).

Side View

Back View

There's not much kibble hanging out on his back, something that I personally think would go differently if Perfect Effect is the one doing him (based of their previous way of designing figures). The extra handle can be attached and sits properly on his back.

The detailing is nicely done especially on the eyes, and the paint apps are really clean.

*random size comparison, just used whatever I had lying around

There are two things that bothers me. The first is the fact that the crotch plate can't be lock securely and tend to swivel around when you try to pose him (but it's not loose and can stay in place).

Next are the 2 small parts attached on his shoulders. I like MMC's attention to detail but the size of the parts kinda worries me.

Stable figure, no surprise there

Cynicus articulation is really great and a fun figure to play with. He comes with ball-jointed head and shoulders, double jointed elbows, wrist and waist swivels, hinge and swivels on the hips, hinges on the knees and ankle tilts. None of the joints are loose.

Cynicus comes with a sniper rifle where the back can be detached to form a gun (while the front portion can be attached on his back).

I find that Cynicus wielding a sniper rifle rather than a gun/blaster looks a lot better overall though.

Aside from laying the sniper rifle on the ground, Cynicus can also lift them up without any problem due to the weight of the guns and the tightness of the joints.

Would've work better if I use the alternate head

To be frank, I this Cynicus is a bit expensive considering his size. However, that aside, I really like how MMC managed to capture Vos's aesthetic and design almost to the letter. The quality improves from their fembots which is good. Cynicus might be simple but I really have fun fiddling him due to his design and the playability.